Expert says it’s more important to listen than give advice to distressed students

Instructors and advisers are on the front line when it comes to student interaction. So having the skills to spot the signs of student mental distress and offer referral information are important.

Recently faculty and staff attended “Mental Health 101,” led by Outreach Coordinator Christy Hutton and Director David Wallace, both of the MU Counseling Center. Hutton and Wallace talked about the signs and symptoms of mental distress.

increased use of drugs, alcohol or nicotine products, prescription medication

anger and irritability (especially in men)

anxiety or depression

changes in sleep

mood swings

Hutton said that, when counseling a student you think might be suicidal, it is important to ask directly about suicidal thoughts, and without dread or negativity. “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” is preferable to “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” For the distressed person, suicide can seem like an end to the pain and is not thought of as hurtful, Hutton said.

“Step back and listen,” Hutton said. “Don’t worry about your next question. And remain calm,” because this calms the student and sends a message that you can handle what is being said.

Hutton said that instructors and advisers mainly need to listen and not judge. An acceptable response might be, “I don’t know what to say, but I am glad you are telling me this.”

“You don’t own the problem and you don’t have to fix the problem,” Hutton said.

Troubled students want empathy, not judgment, sarcasm or language that minimizes the mental anguish, Hutton said.

Next, and most important, refer students to the MU Counseling Center. The center is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday at 119 Parker Hall, 882-6601, counseling.missouri.edu.

882-4634 Offers information and resource library materials, workshops, and referral services for students with alcohol or drug use concerns and other wellness-related issues. B.A.S.I.C.S. (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) is a program for MU students to address their alcohol issues.